According to an online dictionary, the word privilege is an adjective, and it means to “have special rights, advantages, or immunities.” Well, when I think about the word privilege, white privilege comes to mind because we often discuss it in our society. In summary, white privilege refers to the advantages that white people allegedly receive in our society- for no other reason than they were born white. When you experience it firsthand or hear about it in the media, it can be disturbing on so many levels; however, do you know what is more disturbing than that? As a believer in Christ Jesus, I didn’t realize that I was privileged too! Yes! That’s right! I’m privileged because God created me. Like Jeremiah, he formed me in the womb and set me a part before I was born (Jeremiah1:5). I am privileged because Jesus Christ lives on the inside of me. (A dear sister in Christ and a teacher of the word broke this down for me last night during our Christ and Salvation class. I will share more about that later. It was extremely powerful, and that was the first night.) I am privileged because the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. I am privileged because my Father in Heaven will not leave me or forsake me. Now, I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get caught up like Peter did on the water. I step out of the boat. I set my eyes on Jesus, but before too long, I start to focus on the winds blowing around me, and I take my eyes off the One who controls the winds. Yet, I can rest assure that he will not let me drown. He will stretch out his hand and help me during my doubts and fears (Matthew 14:22-31). I am privileged because what he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open (Revelations 3:7) In other words, my life is not determined by my present or future brothers and sisters in Christ. God directs my path. He has a plan for stumbling blocks like systemic racism and white privilege because the enemy wants to use those things to separate us.
So! What are you saying, Nicole? Are you saying that we shouldn’t focus on white privilege? Are you saying we shouldn’t focus on systemic racism that prevents nonwhite members in society from succeeding? No! I’m not saying that at all. Of course, we must address these issues; however, it is important for us to understand that we are privileged to be called the children of God. That privilege connects us to the “bread of life” (John 6:48). That privilege connects us to “the light of the world” (John 8:12). That privilege connects us to “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:2). That privilege connects us to “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). That privilege connects us to “the good Shepherd” (John 10:11). That privilege connects us to “the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). That privilege supersedes everything! That privilege connects every believer of every race. That privilege gives us the authority to step out on faith. That privilege gives us the ability to reach across the aisle to help our fellow man the way Christ helps us. That privilege gives us the ability to love our fellow man the way Christ loves us! That privilege gives us the opportunity to witness to a nonbeliever. You see, this isn’t an exclusive club. Anyone can have a relationship with the Father because he is our creator. So, our focus should be on him!
#Just think about it#
#Then, go to the Father and pray about it#
#Soul Searching with our Father#
